Personal Coaching Consumer Ratings for Coaching Programs

Background

John Commuta has made a career in advising others on personal finance using books, seminars, speaking engagements and his courses. He is the author of several courses and books including the Transforming Debt into Wealth course and The Debt-FREE & Prosperous Living Basic Course. Commuta also developed the SPEED direct marketing system, the Sales Machine database marketing system and is the co-developer of DebtFree software for controlling and eliminating personal debt.

He became a personal finance advisor after noticing a number of baby boomers in dire financial situations. With the fate of Social Security uncertain, the value of their pension plans suffering steep declines, and the extreme amounts of high-interest debt, Commuta decided to create strategies for baby boomers to combat personal debt and ensure financial longevity.

Target Market

Because the majority of Commuta’s books and courses are centered on becoming debt-free, the course materials and software he promotes focus on people who are trying to overcome and improve their financial situations. One key factor that is emphasized in the descriptions of his books is that he offers ways to financial freedom using your current cash flow, whether in business or in personal financial situations.

In addition to helping to eliminate debt, he advises potential clients on the importance of producing a higher income stream through investing. Current economic conditions make the focus of Commuta’s courses more pertinent, particularly since most families are operating on less income or have accumulated debt that they aren’t able to pay off.

His website states that to keep from drowning in debt, you must become financially “organized” with a clear focus of your priorities and necessities.

Reviews

All reviews on the books and materials said the information was applicable and necessary to know to eliminate debt; however, the reviewers also stated that the tips and strategies were not very original. In fact, most reviewers indicated that the simple tips are obvious and can be found on the Internet or in other debt-management materials free of charge.

And one reviewer pointed out that the course materials and seminars are rather steep in price. It was stated that it seems impractical to invest exorbitant amounts of money in programs, monthly fees, guides, and books if you are already trying to eliminate debt.

Background

Jane Garvey began her career in education, and after studying industrial engineering and management sciences, she started teaching. Then, while she was a professor at Loyola University’s business school, she began real estate investing.

In the mid-eighties she left her teaching position to begin a full-time career in real estate investing. During this time she also co-founded the CCIA (Chicago Creative Investors Association), which supports real estate investors with education and networking. Her specialties in real estate investing include rehabbed properties and rental properties.

Target Market

Because Garvey mostly works with the CCIA, her insights on investing are shared through its newsletter and website. And according to the website, CCIA’s membership has grown steadily because of the increased interest in real estate investment in the Chicago area.

Becoming a CCIA member appeals to people looking for networking opportunities with local professional investors who are active in the local market. Paid membership includes twelve monthly meetings that provide educational and motivational tips and, of course, networking opportunities.

Although Garvey provides an education on real estate investing in any market, she focuses specifically on local target areas. The CCIA intent is to connect local investors with each other to strengthen the real estate investing network within Chicago and the surrounding areas.

She emphasizes the importance of learning how to study and remain informed about local market trends. This includes an understanding of the legal requirements for investing and how code changes and requirements may affect the success and further growth of local property investments.

Ratings and Comparisons

Garvey is the widow of real estate “guru” Marc Goodfriend, and reviewers give her credit for creating a career that’s based on her own merits. Reviewers also indicated that they were drawn to her likeable personality, and to her approach to educate investors. She seems to be very involved with the mission of the CCIA and furthering the education of potential investors and students.

Background

David Finkel is a former Olympic-level hockey player whose injuries forced him to change careers … he turned to real estate. Finkel’s first investment advisement company, Mentor Financial Group, was formed with partner Peter Conti.

Working as a team, they jointly published several real estate investment books such as “Real Estate Fast Track,” “Making Big Money Investing in Real Estate without Tenants,” “Banks or Rehab Projects,” “How to Create Multiple Streams of Income Buying Homes in Nice Areas with Nothing Down,” and “Making Big Money in Foreclosures Without Cash or Credit.”

He worked on two joint book projects with author Diane Kennedy entitled “Maui Millionaires” and “The Maui Millionaires for Business.” Then, after selling his first mentoring business that he formed with Conti, he created another Maui Millionaires. His company now works in the commercial sector to help business owners become self-sufficient.

Target Market

Finkel’s programs and books seem to be targeted at high-level investors. For instance, the Maui Mastermind retreat costs $30,000 per couple to attend. During these retreats business owners and investors have an opportunity to network with each other, and are encouraged to focus on methods for reinventing their “Wealth Operating System” instead of being limited by previous habits and obstacles.

The books are aimed at those who are seeking ways to substantially increase their wealth which is why the word millionaire is used in the title. The books, and the retreat if you can afford it, are aimed at changing investors’ or business owners’ outlooks in an approach to “upgrade” their wealth operating system.

Ratings and Reviews

There are no available reviews of the high-priced retreat, and his books have drawn mixed reviews. Those who reviewed “Maui Millionaires” all agree that one of the best ways to achieve the desired results from your life or your business is to dream big. Achieving this new way of thinking, as stated in the book, is accomplished by constantly repeating certain ideas until they become a part of your everyday thinking.

Background

Dolf de Roos was born in New Zealand and received a PhD in Engineering from the University of Canterbury. He began investing in property as an undergraduate student after studying the business practices of various wealthy individuals throughout Australia.  In the 1990s, de Roos formed a company, Property Ventures Limited, to further his involvement in property investment holdings, which are mostly in New Zealand. The company acquires, develops, and sells real estate.

Then, after experiencing personal success in real estate investing and publishing eight property investment books, including the New York Times bestseller “Real Estate Riches,” de Roos decided to travel the globe and speak at investor conferences.

Target Market

His books cover such a wide range of real estate investments that it seems every type of investor may find some value in his books. And de Roos’ website offers guides on commercial real estate investing, tax-free real estate investing, home flipping, and improving your property value … and ways in which real estate investing is far more lucrative than any other type of investing. Additionally, he promotes international real estate investing as opposed to focusing on just local markets.

His company, Property Ventures Limited, targets different types of development including “new urbanism,” low-cost accommodations, underdeveloped areas, and retail and wholesale purchases. Shareholders in the company are made aware of the diversity of property developments as being unique from other investment ventures.

Ratings and Reviews

Although de Roos’ investment company is primarily involved with properties located in New Zeland, his books suggest that you should invest in a variety of international locations. Most reviewers responded negatively to this aspect of his teaching, essentially because tax laws, real estate laws, and property valuations differ significantly from country to country. If investors are unaware of these differences, the investment may not be as lucrative or as successful as described in the guides.

One reviewer identified a bit of a “language” barrier, particularly since the materials are geared toward American audiences. One such example is the difference in the word “rent,” which refers to the remaining amount after operating expenses in his books, as opposed to rent paid by tenants.

Although a variety of materials are available, most reviewers commented that they were over-simplified and too general. For example, where details should be provided as guidelines to investing, only generalized statements about the ease of creating wealth are presented. And hypothetical situations are described in the book complete with figures for reference yet real examples of actual investments or how to apply the figures to actual investments are not provided.

Background

John Beck is an attorney in California with a law practice that emphasizes real estate issues—particularly foreclosures. In addition to his law practice, Beck is the author or co-author of various books and articles on real estate investing. His first workbook was titled, “The Forced Sale.” “Take This House, Please! The Complete Guide to Buying Real Estate Owned by Lenders” Volumes 1 and 2, which he co-authored with Ron Starr, are guides specifically devoted to buying repossessed property.

Beck’s legal experience in real estate led him to provide services as a real estate broker, a syndicated writer, and a real estate consultant. His real estate investment activity includes investing in tax lien certificates in various states from Arizona to West Virginia.   John Beck also holds an MBA in taxation and real estate and has conducted collegiate-level courses on real estate.

Target Market

Forced sales and lender-repossessed properties are the key areas that Beck focuses on in his guides. Those with an interest in these particular areas of real estate will benefit the most from his courses, books, and articles. For example, his book, “Buy Real Estate Free and Clear for Pennies on the Dollar,” presents ways you can utilize tax sale proceeds to buy various types of real estate for next to nothing.

Ratings

There were a number of negative reviews regarding Beck’s materials and his company’s policies. The view was that the guides and books are written in a complex, almost legal manner. And although this clearly reflects Beck’s legal background, the materials are not generally used by those in the legal field. The books provide some basic guidelines on ways to use his forced sale techniques, but there aren’t enough details about how to implement the guidelines.

Some consumers indicated that they tried Beck’s materials because the cost was relatively low. However, other consumers reported that the initial materials essentially seemed to be ways Beck’s company was up-selling his courses—which, at $8,000, is one of the higher priced courses in real estate investing. Most consumers who purchased materials found the book wasn’t as helpful as promised and were repeatedly contacted by “coaches” offering Beck’s seminar series.

Background

Jim Banks is an Indiana University graduate who initially received teaching credentials in secondary education. Then after attending graduate school at the University of Southern California, he decided to pursue a career in software. After leaving his full-time job and enrolling in law school, he decided to pursue a career in real estate.

His first real estate transaction led him to pursue property investment as a potential career. Banks specializes in the researching and purchasing of probate real estate, and after developing his own methods of investing in probate real estate, he decided to create an educational seminar. And in 2005 he authored the book “Creating Wealth through Probate:  The Best-Kept Secret in Real Investing.”

Target Market

Jim Banks has created a niche market in probate real estate so individuals looking for investments in this market are the perfect candidates for his seminars. Although individuals don’t need to have specific qualifications to be involved in this type of real estate investment, Banks admits that the more knowledge you have about probate properties the more successful you can be. And expecting great returns with little effort is not a part of the agenda. He suggests that if his students are willing to work hard, their “efforts will be proportionate to their profit.”

Although his seminar focuses on probate investing, Banks doesn’t limit the opportunities to certain type of properties within the probate market. He gives advice on commercial buildings, residential properties, and even automobiles …all personal property that is considered probate. According to the description of his seminar, Banks offers classes specific to probate investing and personal coaching to students who sign up for his courses.

Ratings and Reviews

The majority of reviews of his seminar and courses indicate that Banks is considered one of the most renowned coaches in real estate probate … and that there is a lot to learn in this specialized branch of real estate investing. Reviewers also stated that the courses were useful in some respects, but thought that the home-study courses were far more thorough and informational than the live classes. However, they still don’t feel that the courses are descriptive enough—particularly at a cost of $6,000.

One reviewer pointed out that Banks offers probate theories and laws that best apply to properties in California, and that investors in other states may have a more difficult time determining how to apply the tips he provides to their state’s laws.

Background

Dwan Twyford gained knowledge in real estate investing from attending seminars and speaking with mentors. Her first real estate investment was a house flipping venture and, similar to other real estate coaches, she shares her real estate experiences of becoming financially self-sufficient as a single mom in a “rags to riches” story when teaching her courses.

She is currently the president of the Financial Freedom Through Foreclosures company, which is dedicated to education in investing using a series of home-study guides and training courses. Twyford also serves on the board of FLREIA (Florida Real Estate Investors Association) and Home Rescue Solutions.

Target Market

By creating the Financial Freedom Through Foreclosures company, Dwan, and her husband Bill, are enabling students to teach themselves with home-study courses, and offer Internet training and live classes that complement the independent courses. The courses intent is to provide an education in every aspect of real estate investing—from short sales to foreclosures—as a way to improve their students’ financial status and personal wealth.

Because the courses seem to focus more on independent study and from reading the description of the materials provided, “self-starters” or entrepreneurs seem to be the best targets. Although most real estate investors are entrepreneurs, it takes discipline to stay on track with courses that require individual participation at home—without the benefit of a live advisor offering tips and answering questions. (It’s unclear how the live classes and Internet coaching coincide with the home-study guides.)

Ratings and Reviews

There are many who favorably comment about the quality of content in the materials written and distributed by Dwan Twyford. The negative reviews of Dwan Twyford’s products were in reference to availability with the courses. Although the courses are based on home study, certain packages include one-on-one mentoring, and availability for questions and personal coaching. Reviewers who signed up for the additional mentoring services were disappointed by the lack of coaches’ availability. There have been a series of complaints related to the difficultly in reaching mentors, and the extended period of time before phone calls are returned. One reviewer even mentioned that they were assigned to a coach who virtually didn’t have any real estate experience.

Although satisfaction is promised in the initial sales pitch, the company is unresponsive when students contact the company to obtain a refund.

Background

Donna Bauer, otherwise known as “The NoteBuyer,” provides investment advice on discounted notes, seller financing, and preforeclosures. Prior to creating her own company, The NoteBuyer, Inc., she was a property manager for residential and commercial properties. Her company now focuses on investing in notes and preforeclosures, and also offers a variety of educational information on real estate investments.

Her home-study course, The NoteBuyer’s Master Guide, was developed to teach others how to invest in real estate. Bauer is also a member of the Cincinnati Real Estate Investors Association and speaks at investment seminars on buying notes. Recently Bauer formed the All-Ohio Title Agency, which provides services to mortgage brokers and Realtors in addition to real estate investors.

Target Market

Bauer’s Master Guide course targets people who are interested in investing in discounted mortgages. The course clearly pinpoints those individuals who are seeking to profit from purchasing notes at huge discounts and delinquent mortgages (preforeclosures). One of the major aspects that she highlights in her course is that, in this type of investing, the student will be able to acquire properties for forty to seventy cents on the dollar.

Ratings and Reviews

Most reviews for Bauer were positive … citing her approach and techniques were easy to understand with little “fluff” or confusion, and the techniques are presented in a step-by-step basic, yet informative, method. Bauer is also touted for elaborating on her strategies when compared to actual situations.

Although she has experience in other areas of real estate investing, she has carved a niche in note buying. Bauer’s materials seem to be a one-time-only purchase, and provide student’s with tips, materials, and guidelines to begin investing.

One reviewer stated that Bauer’s course should be considered note brokering as opposed to note buying.

Background

Licensed as a mortgage lender, mortgage broker, real estate broker, and general contractor in both North and South Carolina, Larry Goins is also a mentor who has created his own coaching program. With a history of almost 20 years in real estate investing, Goins developed strategies for buying and selling properties with The Ultimate Buying & Selling Machine home-study course.

In addition to advising other potential investors and a schedule of speaking engagements, he is also the co-founder of the Investors Rehab company that buys and then wholesales a range of 10 to 15 properties per month.

Target Market

Goins is a self-proclaimed mentor and his intention is to appeal not only to individuals who are interested in real estate investing, but who are looking for a mentor to help them revise how they approach business. His latest course is a home-study option that targets individuals who are self-starters. Just like all real estate coaches, his courses guide students to re-position themselves in their business and personal lives and set new goals based on the guidelines provided.

On his website, Goins infers that he completes a number of real estate purchases and sales in one day without ever leaving his office. The potential market for this course would probably be individuals who have the ability to work from home or from their office. His website also details the benefits of his home-study course as being an “automated” way in which to conduct real estate investment deals.

Ratings and Reviews

The fact that Goins has years of experience in various areas of real estate investment seems to appeal to most people who reviewed his courses and books. They felt as though they were getting advice on real estate that was helpful in every aspect of an investment deal instead of just where and how to look. The reviewers who had personal encounters and needed personal help from their mentors were pleased with the availability and the assistance provided.

While there are no blatantly negative reviews of Goins’ course, there aren’t many “whole-hearted” positive reviews, either. The available reviews really don’t pinpoint any specific examples of how his courses help individuals work toward their goals, and what seems to be practical or impractical.

Background

After experiencing success at a young age by investments in the auto industry and in his real estate investments, Dean Graziosi was inspired to teach others his methods. He first gained recognition from his infomercials, Motor Millions and Think A Little Different, and the success of the programs presented in these infomercials led Graziosi to form Dean Enterprises, LLC. This company not only produces his own infomercials; it also produces infomercials for other professionals who are promoting a product or service.

Then, in 2006, he authored the book “Totally Fulfilled” that details his “core” approach to gaining success with more than simply monetary gains. Graziosi also promoted his second book, “Be A Real Estate Millionaire,” through infomercials written and produced by his company.

Target Market

The materials that he promotes on his infomercials are targeted at those who are interested in a “practical” guide to investing in real estate and in the auto industry.

Specifically, those who are looking for a quick means of making money through real estate should not enter his program. He states that real estate investing should be careful and calculated, as opposed to a fast-track way to building wealth.

The “practical” methods presented in his books and materials emphasize the importance of careful consideration not only in investing, but in other areas of people’s lives.  Those who are looking for ways to not only change their investing habits, but habits in other areas as well, may find benefits in Graziosi’s programs.

Reviews and Ratings

The reviews of Graziosi’s courses were very positive and the price, for what you receive, is very reasonable. The materials are very thorough and applicable to realistic investing situations. Since the courses are presented in steps, the materials are also prepared in a way that takes the student through the structured process. Another positive aspect is that the course opens with an overview of various ways the real estate market fluctuates, and necessary strategies to be used in such markets to create a profit.

Some of the reviewers did mention having a bit of difficulty locating information about his company. However, one reviewer cited that the lack of company information wasn’t too much of a concern because of a positive experience with the courses and the services promised.